Can't clear my mask

[Thalassamania]

When new divers have trouble clearing their mask the problem is usually that they have never learned to independently control their nose and mouth. Try this: Link

 

[k374]

I think one of my problems is I was blowing too hard too clear the mask, and was blowing a lot of my air out of my mask instead. Hopefully, everything will go great once I get back into it again.

I had the same problem, following the advice of my instructor here in LA I was blowing too hard. Actually you just need to release a slow and steady stream of air through your nose into your mask while pressing the top of the mask gently and it will work perfectly...no hard blowing required.

 

[Walter]

Read post # 3 in this thread.

 

[fasty39]

Wow, i never thought i would have gotten this kind of response. I really do thank everyone who wrote back to give me help. That alone is enough to keep me going....i will not give up..you will see me in the water one day...i really would like to say thanks...you all have been a great help...THANKS SOOOO MUCH..Mark

 

[offthewall1]

ok, i go to my first class and all is going great until its time to clear my mask. I can blow out my nose just fine until i fill my mask with water....then it shuts down...i cant blow out my nose with water in it...how can i beat this? HELP:depressed:

Some food for thought...

Mask clearing is very easy when taught correctly. There are a number of ways instructors teach it - and some make it harder for you than it needs to be. The basic skill standard requires you to be able to "flood and clear" the mask. Some agencies teach 1, 2 or 3 seperate skills here. 1. Partial flood, 2. Complete Flood and 3. Flood, removal and replacement.

In a partial flood, do the following:
This should all be done in one fluid motion... from the start of the flood through to clearing. Practice this motion sitting on your couch with your mask on.
In the water, Take a deep breath of air and hold it. (yes it is OK to do so for this skill - you'll only be holding it for about 3 seconds for the skill.) Break the seal at the top of the mask and allow the water to fill the mask about half way... then immediately tilt your head back, press your middle and index fingers on each hand against the top of the mask at your temple to seal the top of the mask to your forehead, and blow gently through your nose. Blow out the held breath through your nose slowly and gently... your mask will be clear within 2 seconds.


In the full flood, do the following:
Take a deep breath of air and hold it. (yes it is OK to do so for this skill - you'll only be holding it for about 3 seconds for the skill.) Break the seal at the top of the mask and allow the water to flood in... then immediately tilt your head back, press your middle and index fingers on each hand against the top of the mask at your temple to seal the top of the mask to your forehead, and blow gently through your nose. Blow out the held breath through your nose slowly and gently... your mask will be clear within 2 seconds.

In the Mask removal and replacement, do the following:
Remove your mask quickly and hold it out in front of you in the same position you will put it back on. Take 3 - 5 breaths as required by your Instructor with your mask off underwater. If you are getting water up your nose while breathing with your mask off, it is perfectly acceptable to pinch your nose while doing this skill. When it's time to put the mask back on, first position the strap in place on the mack of your head with the mask on your forehead. Take a deep breath and hold it (again this is OK for the 3 seconds it's going to take to replace the mask.) In one fluid motion, bring the mask into position, seal the top to your forehead and blow out through your nose as you settle the mask into position. Your mask will be clear.

Many people struggle with this skill for the following reasons:
1. They have difficulty breathing with a mask full of water pressed up against their face. This can be alleviated by never allowing the mask to be pressed against the face with water in it. The pressure from the mask pushes the water up the nose. By always holding the bottom of the mask slightly away from the face while doing the skills... this pressure is relieved - and the feeling of water being pushed up the nose is removed.
2. They literally have trouble seperating the blowing of air out of their nose and mouth. This takes concentration and practice. By practicing this seperation on the couch at home... you can master it. Take a deep breath in through your mouth (then close it) and breath out slowly and gently through your nose.... repeat until this becomes second nature.

If you still have trouble with mask clearing, you may be congested or have a sinus blockage causing a low air flow from the nostrils. This may require you to blow two or three times to get your mask clear. A recommendation for anyone who struggles with this skill is to be certain you have a "low volume" mask. This is a mask with a very small air pocket. The less air space between your eyes and the lense also means less water when the mask floods - and therefore easier to clear.

Good Luck... and Happy Diving!

 

[fnfalman]

What about "James Bond" it ala purging the mask with the octo?